Do Compression Tights and Leggings Help with Cellulite?

An overwhelming majority of adult women report suffering from cellulite - a largely aesthetic condition that manifests itself as dimples or an “orange peel” look on the skin. It usually appears on the thighs and buttocks. This makes many people feel self-conscious, and it can even be painful and uncomfortable in certain cases. It is important to know that, according to the Mayo Clinic, cellulite is a harmless condition, but we understand that it is a cosmetic issue. Below is the information about how compression may help with cellulite.

Although cellulite is not directly treatable or preventable, improving your circulation and supporting the muscles while smoothing the skin can help manage it or reduce the likelihood of it developing. Compression tights and leggings helping boost blood flow in the legs and offering support during physical activity and the subsequent recovery, which are essential for preventing cellulite.

Let us have a look at how graduated compression tights can work for cellulite, their benefits overall, and how to make the best choice for you.

Thanks to their beneficial effect on blood flow and lymphatic drainage, compression tights and leggings may help reduce the appearance of cellulite while supporting the muscles and joints. A 2023 research study found promising reductions in cellulite after 4 weeks of wearing compression garments. Compression tights and leggings can also be used as a preventative measure, by supporting your circulation to prevent fluid build-up in the tissues.

However, a systematic review study looking at methods used to treat cellulite found that there is no remedy proven to reduce cellulite. But doing what you can as preventative measures can help you as you age. It is beneficial for your health to keep a healthy circulatory system and to avoid conditions like varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis, which may be prevented by wearing compression garments. But cellulite is primarily a cosmetic concern, sometimes even referred to as an “invented disease.” Therefore, while reducing its visibility may help self-esteem, cellulite is not a medical concern.

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All compression clothing works by applying therapeutic pressure to the muscles and stimulating venous return, which is beneficial for the area applied to, as well as the entire body. Our Vim & Vigr compression tights and leggings are graduated, a design that research reports found to improve venous blood flow. “Graduated compression” means the compression garments are tighter at the bottom and slowly release pressure as they climb up the legs. This further stimulates blood flow back to the heart to prevent the formation of blood clots and blood or fluid pooling in the lower legs.

As a result, wearing compression leggings facilitates good blood flow and lymphatic drainage, which reduces the risk of heavy, swollen legs and feet. Since cellulite is caused by a build-up of fat that pushes through the connective tissue under the skin, which may be caused partially by excess fluid in the legs that can be solved by healthy blood flow. But the improved circulation does not automatically reduce the visible effects of dimpled skin caused by cellulite.

Wearing high-quality graduated compression tights and leggings improves blood flow, helps reduce the risk of fluid build-up, and can make you feel more confident as you work out or spend time on your favorite activities.

According to clinical research, compression wear stimulates blood flow in the legs, boosting venous return to the heart, especially if you wear graduated clothing which is tighter in the lower legs. As a result, you will feel lighter and more energized throughout the day. These tights also reduce the risk of blood clots and varicose veins, helping your legs look their best and warding off health risks.

Moreover, since compression tights and leggings improve localized blood flow, they also speed up delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the muscles. If you spend time working out or playing your favorite sport, this is good news, as it will reduce the time it takes to recover after a session.

Compression garments are often prescribed for patients suffering from lymphedema and fluid build-up in the body. Cancer Research UK explains that compression tights place pressure on the swollen area, which encourages movement of lymph fluid around the lymph vessels to prevent swelling and discomfort. Less swelling means better looking and feeling limbs - and less of a likelihood of the appearance of cellulite.

There is a short-term “reshaping” effect associated with wearing compression stockings and tights. Since they fight water retention and swelling, all while facilitating better blood flow, some patients notice that their legs look smoother after wearing compression tights.

Compression garments have been shown to improve microcirculation at skin level and venous return for those suffering from chronic venous insufficiency. However, any smoothing effect is highly subjective in this case as little or no good research has been done to study this.

If you suffer from water retention and inflammation, then compression tights can make a dramatic difference as they help reduce swelling and puffiness. Studies show that they reduce occupational edema - the swelling that occurs when sitting or standing for extended periods of time at work.

Since full-length graduated compression tights help improve circulation and lymphatic drainage throughout the legs, they reduce swelling in areas like the thighs and buttocks, which is where we are most likely to notice the effects of cellulite.

As a side effect of improved blood flow, compression therapy has been shown to have an impact on skin health and oxygenation. Especially if sitting for long periods of time, you can reduce the risk or manage the symptoms of edema and inflammatory dermatoses by wearing compression tights. Compression wear can also help manage ulcers. Overall, compression tights and leggings should help improve the appearance of the skin on your legs while also keeping them healthy, especially with regular use.

Wearing stylish graduated compression tights is not just a matter of improving circulation and supporting the muscles. You can also pair them with any outfit to elevate your look, while feeling the reassuring support and comforting compression therapy at work. With the tight support on your thighs and pelvic area, you can feel more confident and enjoy physical activity or leisurely evenings out with friends in equal measure.

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Since cellulite is caused by fat accumulation under the skin, increases in blood flow and fluid drainage can contribute to a slight reduction in its appearance. However, research studies state that there is no conclusive approach to reduce or eliminate cellulite, and there is no clear link between compression therapy and the “orange peel” appearance. Compression tights do, however, provide benefits that can support an active, healthy lifestyle, which can reduce your risk of developing cellulite in the first place.

There are some indications that movement and reducing consumption of salty or heavily fatty foods can help prevent the onset of cellulite. This point is highly subjective, but there is no doubt that an active lifestyle and a healthy diet is beneficial for your overall wellbeing. Wearing compression tights to boost circulation is a great complementary tool to a healthy lifestyle. It will help you recover faster from exercise, improve your circulation, and support you as you stay active. In that sense, then, compression is one of many approaches that can work, to an extent, against cellulite.

Since compression tights improve circulation, you can benefit from wearing them all day long, regardless of whether you are resting or working out. Use them before exercise to warm up the muscles and support the joints or wear them during your session to keep your legs energized and reduce the impact on the muscles.

Compression leggings are at their most useful as a recovery tool, since they reduce swelling and improve circulation, which can enhance oxygen and nutrient delivery to the muscles. Put them on as you relax at home or go out with your friends and feel the gentle therapeutic pressure on your legs. They also soothe any aches and pains and bring down inflammation.

Finally, don’t forget the stylish aspect of wearing compression tights. They can match any outfit, from athletic wear to casual or even business attire. This means you can get all the benefits of compression no matter where you are, for hours at a time, and look great while you are doing it!

Whether you’re looking to wear compression tights to improve your recovery and support your muscles as you work out to prevent cellulite, or donning them to smooth the skin, improve the appearance of your legs, and manage the condition, you need to know a few key things to pick out the best pair for you. Fit and compression levels are important to make the most of these garments, as is the style you pick.

In the world of compression hosiery, an mmHg denomination is used to show how tight the garment is. This ranges from casual, everyday compression, to very firm levels recommended only for recovery from surgery or specific medical conditions.

For those looking to avoid cellulite, workout compression leggings are the priority. We recommend 15-20 mmHg footless tights that can match any gym outfit perfectly, while applying enough pressure to boost blood flow and feel comfortable. You can also wear them all day and for recovery purposes.

For slightly more support and full-leg coverage (including the feet), our 20-30 mmHg compression tights will be more helpful if you have poor circulation or suffer from blood clots.

It is important to make sure your compression garments fit well, so the first step is to ensure you map out your height and weight against our sizing charts. Once you have the best size for you, always be careful putting on compression tights since they can be tricky for beginners. Roll them up carefully, ensuring they do not fold or catch against the skin. Ideally, they should feel tight, but comfortable - you need to feel the compression working without it cutting off your circulation.

For compression beginners, we recommend wearing your new tights for 2-3 hours at a time to start. Then, progressively increase the length of time you spend in them, until you are comfortable with all-day wear.

Finally, consider what you are looking to achieve when wearing your tights. They can support diverse types of activities and match with all types of outfits:

• Footless tights are great all year round, letting you wear sandals or pair them with the socks of your choice. They’re also perfect for workout classes like yoga or dancing;
• Solid compression tights are an ideal match for more formal clothing, as they can be worn with dresses and skirts and heels or casual shoes. They also offer support through the ankles and boost circulation from the feet up - great if you suffer from foot swelling or on a long-distance flight. 

Although cellulite is a controversial condition that has not been found to be treatable or even preventable, it is linked with accumulation of fat deposits under the skin and sometimes with an unhealthy lifestyle and diet. This means that you can prevent it to an extent by staying active and using compression tights and leggings as workout garments and recovery tools that help boost circulation and improve recovery. Compression tights are also stylish and tight-fitting, improving your confidence and “lifting” the legs, while smoothing the skin and helping reduce swelling that makes the appearance of cellulite worse.

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Charles, T., Mackintosh, D., Healy, B., Perrin, K., Weatherall, M., & Beasley, R. (2011). Merino wool graduated compression stocking increases lower limb venous blood flow: a randomized controlled trial. Advances in therapy, 28(3), 227–237. Read it here.

Conde-Montero, E., Dissemond, J., & Protz, K. (2024). [Translated article] Compression Therapy in Dermatology. Actas dermo-sifiliograficas, 115(7), T693–T701. Read it here.

Luebberding, S., Krueger, N., & Sadick, N. S. (2015). Cellulite: an evidence-based review. American journal of clinical dermatology, 16(4), 243–256. Read it here.

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023). Cellulite. Mayo Clinic Press: Diseases and Conditions. Read it here.

Nürnberger, F., & Müller, G. (1978). So-called cellulite: an invented disease. The Journal of dermatologic surgery and oncology, 4(3), 221–229. Read it here.

Partsch, H., Winiger, J., & Lun, B. (2004). Compression stockings reduce occupational leg swelling. Dermatologic surgery: official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.], 30(5), 737–743. Read it here.

Sachdeva, A., Dalton, M., & Lees, T. (2018). Graduated compression stockings for prevention of deep vein thrombosis. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 11(11), CD001484. Read it here.

Tokarska, K., Tokarski, S., Woźniacka, A., Sysa-Jędrzejowska, A., & Bogaczewicz, J. (2018). Cellulite: a cosmetic or systemic issue? Contemporary views on the etiopathogenesis of cellulite. Postepy dermatologii i alergologii, 35(5), 442–446. Read it here.